Mirage Feels Like an Imitation of Assassin's Creed

Assassin's Creed Mirage is the first new game to be released since I started this channel, and I wish I could be kinder to it. I have had fun, but so much of its energy is spent on trying to twist Valhalla's mechanics into something familiar that it feels like an imitation of its own franchise rather than an evolution of it.
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Contents:
00:00 Intro
01:55 Stealth
09:14 Traversal
15:56 Combat
21:04 Structure and Story
28:18 The Limits of Imitation

[@D-Tox_]

You all thought that this was an Assassin's Creed ... but it was just a mirage.

[@bravo_6gd810]

Cringe

[@seiaka]

@@bravo_6gd810 it's funny imo

[@handlebarsmustache]

That joke was the (Assassins Creed) Revelations all along

[@inyourelilsistersass5554]

​@@seiakain my opinion is not

[@amiramri3032]

Cringe

[@ianAEF]

My favorite moment in AC1 was when Altair said “It’s creeding time” and started teleporting across the rooftops

[@mohannadalshamrani199gmail]

Truely, the most creed moment of our time😂😂

[@joffy9373]

😂

[@CadllacCTS-VCoupe2011]

This has to be rage bait. Its an ability in the game that is not needed to be used.

[@DrMontgomeryMontgomery]

​@@CadllacCTS-VCoupe2011- Would you use the same defence if this game had a public defecation feature?

[@CadllacCTS-VCoupe2011]

@@DrMontgomeryMontgomery no that has to be a feature in the next

[@user-dv2qh2ev6f]

I'm amazed by how quickly archers notice and shoot Enkidu while inobsevant of a huge, free-running and jumping target.

[@thewoogs]

Also how much of an ass do you have to be to shoot an eagle

[@hgyuuuuhj098]

Because they only look up... duh...

[@rocklight1304]

I can say that Mirage is a good game, but I wanna see this team make a game with a bigger budget and new Engine that they can go nuts with. I see Mirage as a "One foot in the door" type game.

[@btchiaintkidding7837]

yes. but with emphasis on "New Engine" , but it wont get through the th^ck skull that this rtrded fanbase has. this dogsh^t engine cant even implement proper non-contextual simple wall ejects nor ledge grabs nor it has any sense of weight/impact during combat unless the animations are meticulously done for specific weapon model(example: only ac3, connors axe animation look super awkward in ac4 with edward and his cutlasses/rapiers, and the combat continously looked jittery/trash ragdoll/lack of hit feedback animation from enemy etc with each sequel). fk this engine

[@m0ntypth0n]

@@btchiaintkidding7837 The engine looks very cheap and that's the best compliment I can give it at this point. It worked for valhalla but it's time is done. I'm not one to put biggest emphasis on graphics but it's disheartening to see the game look and feel like that in this Era. If you do a comparison, it actually looks worse than any of the trilogy and seems assets were imported from each one of them especially Origins. Have you seen the character models and NPCs? It just doesn't look good and jumping from ledge to ledge feels magnetic. Say what you will about AC4, Unity and Syndicate but they just felt better. The running and parkor has regressed greatly even as technology is advancing. It's a step In the right direction but with all the news about upcoming games and knowing it's Ubisoft, there's not much excitement to be had

[@Chu8rock]

Just take it back to the Scimitar engine and update the lighting and texture quality.

[@user-fo8ey1ix6f]

When was the last time Ubisoft was innovative? It doesn't matter what engine ubisoft uses, they're still going to do the same thing.

[@purplelove9455]

Graphically the engine is great, but mechanically it feels outdated and cut down @@m0ntypth0n

[@jermywormyy]

i think, more than anything, it’s important to know the context behind AC Mirage. That context being Mirage was originally supposed to be an expansion to Valhalla. That doesn’t excuse its faults, but it makes them make sense

[@seiaka]

it's also important to know that context has been twisted significantly; Mirage did not begin development as a DLC. the idea for having a Valhalla DLC about Basim's origin was a thing, but that was just an idea, it was expanded into a full game before development even began.

[@huyphan7825]

​@@seiaka @jermywormyy Guys he discusses that in the video.

[@seiaka]

@@huyphan7825 lol sorry

[@LeadLeftLeon]

I thought Basim's Creed and Malaka's Odyssey are great games but despise Soyhalla. Soyhalla was an awkward as hell attempt to please everybody. All of the gameplay features of Soyhalla were poorly executed.

[@drozdforce8853]

it doesnt make sense, because siege of paris is dlc too and its on the different level

[@65firered]

It's like starting back to zero. Yeah, it's a step in the right direction but it's behind where the previous games were. We essentially have to go backward to go forward. A problem that should not exist but is not the fault of Mirage.

[@yojojo6570]

The biggest leaps start from a few steps back.

[@65firered]

@@yojojo6570 We can only hope.

[@poopyfartboi]

At this point they should just reboot and actually start with an "Assassins Creed." Whether a remake or a new story it could give them a new baseline gameplay, different from mirage or the origins games--just getting that original AC style and expanding on it. While mirage was a great attempt it's clear that it still had valhalla as its backbone and origins/odyssey still as its DNA

[@65firered]

@@poopyfartboi I think a soft reboot or partial reboot could work. A lot of the story should be kept but restructured with the modern-day being improved and more connected gameplay-wise similar to the earlier games. So instead of completely remaking every game in the franchise up to this point, we could retcon and fix the lore and story with some games being faithfully remade and others (like Odyssey) requiring a full reboot.

[@Kira_Official_]

Sometimes a step back is the step in the right direction. Maybe that's what assassin's creed needs. Go back to the stuff that made it special and got people engaged with the franchise in the first place. I just don't want them to mess up any further than they have already.

[@krypto_7155]

I think that’s exactly how I felt playing. It felt like a mod. I loved the game and it feels just like how it feels playing a mod made by passionate people.

[@imamfn]

Lol yea, heavily modded Origins with lil bit of Valhalla's mechanism

[@scientisto7803]

“It felt like a mod” fucking people really be saying anything these days. A mod??? ffs 😂

[@mythrin]

@@scientisto7803 Did you not watch the video before dropping your insanely idiotic comment?

[@lanceclark812]

bros mad as hell for no reason💀@@scientisto7803

[@Egurius3]

​@@scientisto7803Yeah that's how they felt. Do you have any counter-arguments to provide instead of just laughing at them?

[@thanotos3013]

This is an incredibly fair commentary on the game. IMO, it takes a step in the right direction from Valhalla but it’s severely hampered by it…my only worry is that Ubi is going to take all the wrong lessons from Mirage because they want to. My guess is that they only allowed Bordeaux to spin this off as a hedge against Valhalla fatigue. In one fell swoop, they got to put the genuine passion of the team on full display for the marketing, spend almost nothing extra by only letting Bordeaux push as far past the frame of Valhalla as the tech would allow, partition the stores so Valhalla helix credits are non-transferable, charge $50 for it (bringing in more revenue per copy sold), and create multiple higher priced editions. For corporate, Mirage is a release of convenience that was never going to do as well as Valhalla commercially. This way, they increase revenues and critical reception as much as they reasonably can while baking in a justification for doubling down on Valhalla styled games. “See? We totally did what the ‘fans’ wanted and it wasn’t nearly as profitable as the $1b we milked out of Valhalla over 3 years.” I think Luke Stephens probably has the right idea about infinity, individual projects will now be tailored to differing audiences but the “traditional” fans are always just going to get a smaller release based on the skeletons of future RPG titles like Red. I HOPE things get better from mirage but I think this is as good as it’s going to get for a long while.

[@nyljohnvictoracierto9402]

If I had a penny for every person that said "a step in the right direction", I'd have $50, enough to cover the money I wasted on the game.

[@huntermccoy7641]

A step in the right direction how many installments later?

[@arrexu01]

i mean. there's nothing wrong with the newer titles personally. You still have stealth gameplay. You still have combat with cool animations. You still have a character vs some order of chaos. Can you imagine if this franchise just stuck with the same game but with a different texture? I think adding the rpg element makes AC more versatile and fun. You can't exactly expect them to continue a business model that has no future other than catering to the "old guard".

[@BelleXJ9]

starting back at 0 was when they wrote off desmond becoming a master assassin, i get what ur saying tho

[@Kaliospectre]

@@nyljohnvictoracierto9402Should have tried it for $15 with Ubisoft+

[@ghastlyanarchy1720]

I feel this video as a whole is more honest than negative. There's a clear love and passion for this series and the frustration steams from that. I feel the same, I can only hope this lays the ground work for an Assassin's Creed 1 reimagining just touch up the combat and cutscenes.

[@sosaysjay]

I am glad it came across that way, the franchise means a lot to me even with its ups and downs

[@ghastlyanarchy1720]

@sosaysjay I'm the same way man. There's so much potential for these games to be great but they barely make the mark for good sometimes.

[@Nevad25]

@@ghastlyanarchy1720 I don't want an Assassin's Creed 1 re-imagining. The OG is fine like it is. Assassin'S Creed needs a brand new engine to catch up graphically and support a new gameplay focused on stealth and fluidity of movement. A stealth system to rival Metal Gear Solid V and Dishonored, the early Splinter Cell games. A game where you can exploit the shadows to conceal yourself, where the enemy is aware of environmental disturbance, for exemple if I open a door that was previously closed, the enemy should know the door used to be closed and should investigate. The level design should allow for multiple ways to reach the target organically without telling the player "Oh you have 3 options for this target, disguise, bribe a guard, find the key". It should be left for the player to figure out. You should be able to take out enemies non-lethally by choking them out, the stealth system, gameplay and level design should be polished enough to let you finish a mission without harming anyone but your target, without being spotted. After all one of the tenets of the creed is to "stay your blade from the flesh of the innocent". When you kill every guards that just happen to do their jobs it kinda goes against that philosophy. You should only use your blade against your target and be able to play like a ghost. The cutscenes needs to be mo-cap instead of using the same robotic and stiff animations all the time. The games need to be more cinematic with a great mise en scène.

[@jamesjohn8740]

Yea i agree. Unlike others who essentially have stated the franchise is dead and are okay with that. There videos boil down to simply disliking the game because it doesn’t scratch all the nostalgic itches. And the story not being deep enough or captivating like the ever praised blackflag, which is my least favorite.

[@ghastlyanarchy1720]

@jamesjohn8740 when looking at these games, with each game in their own bubble, it gives one time to really see them for what they are or aren't. The story in all these games take the front seat, but rarely do they go beyond the surface and really tell all in regards to the assassin's and templars. They usually go for a more personal story, a hero's story. Black Flag specifically tells of a man who wants more than what he can get in a normal way of life. He's unsatisfied with many things and eventually loses the very few people closest to him, which makes him realize that he's been going about it all wrong. He found a purpose by the end. He changed and grew into a better man. Sure, his story doesn't involve the assassin's much, but his actions greatly affect them and allows him to see the consequences of his actions. He lives with the reality that his selfish actions can have drastic consequences. Even if he doesn't care much for them at the time, it's still the beginning of his arc.

[@akhiltheerthala9600]

This video is on point. AC mirage as an individual product is nothing special. However, as a product that is an extension of Valhalla, it is a very good fix. However, the good news is that this has done very good in sales and hopefully this realigns the direction of changes that the franchise has gone from AC4. Thank you very much for the video.

[@guilhermelisboa1857]

Lets hope brother

[@akhiltheerthala9600]

@@guilhermelisboa1857 yup.. hope is all we have left.

[@sosaysjay]

Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it

[@drazen1972cro]

I never understood AC "originalists" (if that is even a word) who always whine about the "direction of the franchise". Like it or not, games change, just like everything in life is changing. Obviously, there's a lot more people that disagree with the loud minority of tradition purists, otherwise the "RPG alignment" wouldn't rake in so much money. I get this direction is not everyone's cup of tea, and I don't mind more AC games like Mirage, that are shorter, more focused and in the vein of pre-Origins titles. But that doesn't mean that people who love playing Bayek, Cassandra and Eivor need to lose their fun with more RPG open world style of AC games so that purist minority could have their fun at the expense of majority of AC players. Instead of demanding realignment of well-liked style of current AC games, maybe you should be happy that Ubisoft decided to accommodate both playing preferences. Because they sure as hell won't change alignment of the series that brings them so much money.

[@akhiltheerthala9600]

@@drazen1972cro yes, I absolutely understand. I never said that RPG alignment is bad. However, try to think of this perspective, you start out watching a character going through memories of his ancestor, Altair, a rash and cold blooded person. You follow through his journey of personal growth and he is understanding of something like a creed,a brotherhood. Then you explore the entire ideology of a brotherhood from the perspective of a youngstertrying to avenge his family and somehow learnt about the greater powers and conspiracies involving the entire country, you explore them understand his pain, learn about the Creed with him, and finally realise (along with him) he is just playing a tiny part in the grand scheme of things. (Ezio). Then you go ahead and Look at the same brotherhood from the idea of a kid who is forced to grow in a war zone. Through the entire journey, you also explore a conflict happening in the modern times and grow attached to the car character called Desmond Miles. And journey of these four different games, you also introduce to a lot of things starting from the templars, assassins, the isu and the plans by juno etc. you obviously would want to know more about the story and expect the sequel to follow the same philosophy. I know that assassins creed, odyssey, and Valhalla are wonderful RPG games. Heck I spend more time roaming around in odyssey and Valhalla than any other games I’ve played except for skyrim. However, These two games, despite being wonderful RPG games, still had something missing from the perspective of a creed that we were introduced and promised through the first 5 to 6 games. We were told that Juno was planning something serious behind the scenes, we were told that a serious war was happening where countless assassins were getting killed abstergo.We were promised by desmond that mankind will face and tackle these issues with hope. And what did we get? A mercenary who survived even after she jumps from top of high buildings, a Viking who is the valiant warrior and raids multiple villages out in the open, In assassin, who actually is no different from a gangster, An assassin who shifted to templars who were conveniently behaving in the philosophy of assassins while the assassins were behaving like templars, And a pirate who just wants to earn. I have no problem with the pirate or with arno, as the creed was a separate entity, and it had its philosophy set right. The problem comes with the viking or the mercenary or the gangster in london. These people were not actually important to the creed. They could have made a game to thwart the plans of juno instead of a game of kassandra, while introducing her as a comic book character, that would have even made more sense as the only reason for the existence of his to pass on an artefact to layla. While all these are part of the argument, we have now replaced the recruitment, Grounded side missions of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions, now found as Ola and another place just to “grind”. Recruitment used to give support during actual story mission fights. the Leonardo da Vinci missions were fun because of the entire setting that they were in which made them extremely believable and actually had some references to the real life notes of the inventor. However, we are somehow exploring the and the norse underworlds just to grind for a sword or an armour. I understand that the worlds are fun. However, that doesn’t under mine, the fact that the importance of the brotherhood, the philosophy in the story is now paper-thin. This was not what we were promised in the initial games. We were promised to get a chance to explore a secret society that exists in the dark, has a definite philosophy and was at war another creed that tries to bring order to the world. Both of these creed goals had the same goal, it was not some blatant power struggle, rather it was a conflict of ideological differences between two groups that were trying to attain peace. This was once again couple of an ancient civilisation that was once at the apex and failed to survive. The people of the civilisation also had multiple facets., while some gave up on their lives and just wanted to make sure that whoever listens to their message, survives by preparing for what was coming while someone wanted to resurface in the future and get their position back. These were the multiple threats of complex fighting that we were introduced in the first few games which now still have no answers and even no mention in 60 to 70 hour long games which are released under the same franchise. This is the struggle that we are facing. I know that the lore is not the only part of games, The mechanics, the world building the music, the characters, the voice acting these multiple facets, and are involved in the game, and obviously these need money. so obviously shifting and adding RPG elements is a wise move. However, in shifting to this, the entire complex structure that made us fall in love with the franchise somehow went missing.

[@krypto_7155]

Imagine what Bordeaux could do with more time and recourses. It would be amazing

[@jessehill5875]

Honestly after unity you can tell they are being held back

[@Payday5]

@@jessehill5875 the one that made unity were montreal ones though, not bordeaux

[@jessehill5875]

@@Payday5 guess my memory was a bit screwed lol

[@memoxxi]

@@jessehill5875 Bordeaux has never worked on a game before Mirage. They worked on a DLC for Valhalla

[@Sandal2000]

More expensive sexual harassment lawyers?

[@gor764]

The game is good and much better than the RPGs. It feels like it's slightly in chains though. Bordeaux was given two years to make it using Valhalla's mechanics and assets. Would be cool to see Bordeaux given the freedom to build a game from the ground up.

[@MeggaMann_theBlueLion]

Not better than Origins. And if Origins had the old roots style. This game wouldn’t even come close

[@SimonPhungChannel]

​@@MeggaMann_theBlueLionOrigin doesn't offer much in assassination variations if you think about it. Parkour is bare minimum too due to world building. It has a great story that fits the Assassins vs Templar plot. Not much in game play variety. Mirage has a better gameplay for the type of game it is made to be. From Origin to Mirage in the timeline, it's appropriate.

[@Novacki_]

@@MeggaMann_theBlueLion This game is a huge improvement on Origins, stealth wise at least.

[@gor764]

@@MeggaMann_theBlueLion Origins cities and parkour weren't great. Stealth was okay. Its story is much better though and Bayek is a much more compelling protagonist than Basim.

[@MeggaMann_theBlueLion]

@@gor764 true it wasn’t. But I mean it’s Egypt. They didn’t have skyscrapers. And we have to keep in mind this was the origins of the Hidden Ones. Bayek possibly hadn’t discovered crowd blinding etc. Howeve had they given him the proper sequel they could’ve. We have to remember Ubisoft can include this in any game. They just choose not to. Ultimately in the end it doesn’t matter for me because the Creed is not the same. And giving a new protagonist every year instead of growing on one is such a drain.

[@runbaa9285]

Considering this is what Ubisoft Bordeaux was able to make while being understaffed, underbudgeted, under strict two year time limit, and constrained by Valhalla's janky iteration of the AnvilNext 2.0 engine, I'm honestly pretty impressed. I hope they are given the opportunity in the future to do their own thing from the ground up with more time and resources. My major downside with the game that I can't excuse is the story though. The non-linear story approach with Mirage was the same problem Valhalla had with its story, just on a smaller scale. It practically means major character progressions cannot happen outside of beginning and end of the story. The most interesting part of Valhalla's story was its intro and its endings, and same goes for Mirage. That's kind of a big issue... No matter how good an ending is, it's going to inevitably get bogged down if the journey to said ending isn't a memorable one.

[@alinclaudiu4754]

Gameplay-wise, it's nearly the best. Story and narrative wise, it is the worst in the series - by far. And I'm saying this even though I consider the ending to be an interesting one. But the intro, mid-game section and pre-Temple ending section have the most bland and unnatural dialogue, unintresting side characters, lifeless villains.

[@PsychoRavager]

It's a good game weighed down by mixing oil and water with how Valhalla's engine is used as a foundation to build an entry that relies on the classics as primary inspiration. You are, more and more, becoming one of my favorite KZbinrs in terms of video essays regarding games as an art form.

[@DrTheRich]

Valhalla's mechanics*! The engine is the same as was used for Unity even.

[@Vivideaaa]

Its not a good game though

[@Kai47]

I am here writing a comment just because at the end you asked for our opinions. What can I say? This is a great video. But that's not a surprise to me, because I follow you since your video on Valhalla and I know that all your vids are great. I like the way you write your scripts and the way you speak, not crying, not yelling, just calm and explaining what you feel with consistents opinions and even showing them with gameplay examples. I love this franchise but I don't know so many things as you do, and that's why I follow your channel. I have not played AC Mirage yet, but for what I have seen I think that my opinion will be more or less the same as yours. You deserve more subscribers and views, and I hope that you will have them someday. Keep the great work my friend, I will be here watching all your AC videos even if I do not comment (I never do). I am from Spain and my english is not very fluent... I hope you'll understand everything.

[@sosaysjay]

Thank you very much for the kind comment, it really does mean a lot. I am glad my videos are helpful to you

[@Shardthackeray4562]

Not very fluent, my ass. Your english is top-notch it's way better than some of the other comments I've seen, which either have incorrect spelling mistakes or are typed way too fast and the poster isn't bothered enough to fix up their mess

[@dominicmorrone6526]

This was the first video I've ever watched from you, and I've gotta say, you hit the nail on the head. I'm only a few hours into Mirage and somehow you managed to turn my thoughts into words. Hopefully the next entry will step up to the plate and fully commit to this concept. Other than that, you've earned a sub as well, keep it up!

[@sosaysjay]

I’m glad you found the video helpful, thank you for watching

[@ahmadnazim3996]

One of my favorite things about Mirage is the soundtrack. It's so good. I haven't felt this satisfied with an AC soundtrack since Black Flag. "Daughter of no one" is my fav track.

[@konus.]

my second favorite all-time game soundtrack

[@KicktheSky34]

Playing aggressively non-lethal* in AC2 was the peak of this franchise for me, which this series has never subsequently recaptured or topped. Chain-kills made it too easy, the Kenway Saga felt like an Arkham clone, and everything following Syndicate may as well be another series. *Unarmed combat was the most versatile aspect of that game’s combat. Throwing sand could set up low level enemies for an instant finisher. A throwing knife would lower an elite’s health enough to disarm them. It really seemed like fist-fighting was Ezio’s preferred style that made him distinct from Altair. All of his unarmed finishers were his own with not a single reused animation, but that identity was lost as soon as Brotherhood dropped.

[@mantisreturns2757]

Why that Identity was lost with Brotherhood?

[@KicktheSky34]

@@mantisreturns2757 chain-kills made everything else redundant. No reason to switch weapons or use different tools, not unless you purposely tie one hand behind your back. AC3, at least, tried to mitigate this with enemies that could interrupt your chain.

[@KicktheSky34]

@@mantisreturns2757 The chain-kills made most other options redundant. Maybe you could still do the aggressive non-lethal stuff I described, but only if you purposely tied a hand behind your back. AC3, at least, tried to mix things up, but whatever challenge there was didn't make it as far as Black Flag. I will say though, I'm giving Unity a try for the first time recently and I definitely feel considerably less invincible.

[@mantisreturns2757]

@@KicktheSky34 Thats true. But in my opinión the AC1 have a similar problem. There is no point to use other weapon than the hidden Blade and use chain kills. But yes, in general the combat in this saga its very off.

[@ethanarmstrong7929]

I love your videos, been watching you for a while now and you have totally reawakened my love for the franchise. Your review rains supreme over every other Mirage review. (bows down respectively)

[@somebodyiguess385]

Cool idea and mechanic for future games. When you assassinate someone with the hidden blade, in a crowd. You should be able to blend with the crowd and their confusion and horror at the scene. Step 1: assassinate a guard Step 2: hold left trigger and move in the direction you intend Step 3: only use the joy stick with a soft touch to successfully blend with the confused crowd

[@birboartt6598]

I felt almost as this game was a financial viability test for the old AC formula and the bordeaux team as a whole. I wish this game does well given it´s AA budget and the passion that the devs had to do their best under those conditions ubi gave them. I Still enjoyed getting excited again for an AC game (moderate expectations of course) and not being a let down. The game has it´s limits but i had fun nonetheless.

[@thenintendoman]

I absolutely loved the infiltration at assassination parts of it. Felt like hitman.

[@HHTwice]

You’ve never played Hitman

[@spacemaninvader5199]

​@@HHTwice I can kinda get what he's saying. A little bit like blood money but not really lol.

[@AVhq11]

Wow. Great video. That was such a well thought out, eloquent, insightful argument. Well done.

[@captainkirk9691]

I still really enjoyed Assassin's Creed Mirage and its focus on Assassin's however i think it was missing things I just wish there was more to do in the city like mini games maybe more tales of Baghdad. And various other challenges. Just something more the city feels alive but dead at the same time i can't explain it.

[@RG-xl7ql]

Most of the issues I have with this game stem from the lack of time and resources Bordeaux had. Aside from that, AC Mirage is the most fun I've had since Unity. This game has sold really well for Ubisoft - on par with Origins and Odyssey apparently - so I imagine there will be more classic Assassin's Creed games with more time, resources, and hopefully effort.

[@TheAltair716]

Where can I find the data on how many copies of Mirage and other AC games sold?

[@jordandittman9474]

Did it really sell that well? I haven't heard any numbers but I've been looking hoping it did well.

[@TheAltair716]

@@jordandittman9474 I also hope it did well as money talks in the industry. If they see that it sold well and take the criticism into account then we're golden.

[@Noobslayar]

If it sells well with no time or resources then why would executives want to give the development teams more?

[@indedgames4359]

​@@TheAltair716they rebvealed it in a thank you post

[@kacpernowak1535]

AC Origins actually has the parkour down functionality. I don't think the game ever tells you that, but whenever I hold circle or I think C on the keyboard, Bayek will actually parkour down like in Unity and Syndicate, although the animations are simplified similarly to how the rest of the parkour works in that game.

[@imamfn]

All the RPG ACs adapted this mechanics, actually

[@Pixelgon404]

the video we've been waiting for!

[@yourneighborhoodfriendlyme4242]

This is far and away the best review I've seen is this game! Thx so much!

[@sosaysjay]

Thank you!

[@readcards]

Can we talk about how he cut his finger off in order for the blade to pass through, but he raises his palm when killing with the hiddenblade just like the assassins that did not cut their finger in past games?

[@lacuna3693]

Altair did that as well?

[@readcards]

@@lacuna3693 i remember Altair keeping his hand as a fist when the blade was out, but i might remember wrong.

[@utuberz123456789]

This game sounds like its a good proof of concept for what assassins creed could be if it tried to be a follow up to the older games. Given the smaller team, maybe it was meant to gauge interest in that idea.

[@JohnWilliams-wl9px]

Would not be surprised if Bordeaux team were able to pitch Mirage as a stand alone game, just off the idea of “let’s test the waters of making a game closer to the older games” to the higher ups.

[@Somewhere_sometime_somehow]

Just watched a couple of these videos. I think the analysis here is excellent!

[@izanazir7088]

Man I was waiting for this video, clicked as fast as possible!

[@Uroboros97]

Given this game sold well, I'm hopeful they'll redo the engine again for the next game

[@sosaysjay]

I think one way of another they will redo the engine for the next game. Don’t hold me to that belief, you never know, but six games on this engine is a lot and four games of this style, Origins-Mirage, is as many as we’ve ever had. Usually Ubisoft shakes things up, especially since they haven’t made an AC game specifically for the new console generation yet.

[@Uroboros97]

@@sosaysjay crossing my fingers for a numbered entry

[@tenbeat]

@@Uroboros97Assassin's Creed 5 coming out over a decade after 4 and a million games between them lol

[@purplelove9455]

Red is already neck deep in development and a dev stated it will benefit from a new version of the Anvil engine that will see a tremendous increase atleast when it comes to graphical fidelity this ''at least when it comes to graphical fidelity'' worries me since it seems like the graphics will be good and everything else will be the same type of thing @@sosaysjay

[@nyljohnvictoracierto9402]

It might have sold well, but it isn't a good game.

[@ogPunkcln]

"Ubisoft doesn't get lazy, they just make sacrifices to focus on other things." This is a very good line. It only makes sense that games get more expensive to make every year. Studios and development teams get bigger with each title. It's only the matter of what they're trying to sell with each entry. In my opinion, we, the consumers are accountable to what's happening with the series to a degree. People speak negatively of Valhalla openly, yet it is the game that generated the highest revenue from microtransactions and in-game item bundles in the series. I understand the importance of free will and being able to say whatever we want online. But to properly communicate with professional entities and make your feedback able to be turned into workable data can be done in 2 ways, either with your wallet or properly written sentences that aren't the equivalent of "the game is trash". If you want to have polished games with minimal bugs, stop preordering and buying games on day 1. If you don't want the games to be pay-to-win or riddled with item bundles and microtransactions, stop topping up your games. If you want to give feedback on social media about the games, stop harassing individual developers, and actually spend time writing constructive comments and offer fixes that you think is best for you.

[@Sohbek]

I wouldn't say the teams get bigger. Team size probably capped off in around 2014-2017. Since then it's mostly been on hours and on underpaid labor. By all means I could just be wrong about that though and you're welcome to correct me, I'm just going on my broad impressions of the gaming industry generally.

[@Aqueox]

Oh no! Those poor wittle devewopers... 😢 God forbid there's any fucking innovation in how games are made so budgets don't get overblown, extra staff doesn't need hired, and high fidelity is still achievable.

[@Real_MisterSir]

While games get bigger every year, so does the potential revenue pool. More people game today than ever before, so if you can sell to potentially millions of new new players it more than makes up for the games increasing in scope and vision.

[@goosewithagibus]

I'm accountable for what happened to the serious. But I'm chill with that because I've loved all three of the RPG trilogy. 120 in Origins, 700 on Odyssey, and 200 in Valhalla. Got my money's worth out of them.

[@bipstymcbipste5641]

@@Aqueox wittle developers can't do anything cause of the suits

[@jmal]

Excellent review. I'm looking forward to playing this in about 3 years from now when it gets a Steam release.

[@shadeblackwolf1508]

Thank you for your honesty. As someone who played every AC up to Syndicate, It's great to see a nuanced perspective that helps inform the choice of buy now, or buy on sale

[@JanVP1]

Bought (only) the necessary Ubisoft+ months on day one to finish the main stories of newly released games (WD Legion, AC Valhalla, Immortals Fenyx Rising, Far Cry 6, AC Mirage) and then spending the remaining time on older releases in those franchises.

[@SebCarrasco]

A huge QoL update would be adding the Mission Tracker from Syndicate (and yes other games I am aware). In the game, you could see ALL main missions & side content, and replay them to your heart’s content.

[@imamfn]

Is it confirmed?

[@SebCarrasco]

oh no, I'm saying that this would be nice to see. I can assure you it's not happening@@imamfn

[@imamfn]

@@SebCarrasco I see. Haha, sorry for that

[@SebCarrasco]

all good man!@@imamfn

[@JanVP1]

I need that - to win the race.

[@luggo1448]

I think the best combat for AC would be shadow of mordor games combat. It is very similar and just feels good and is fun to play.

[@mht2315]

So Arkham combat

[@Sohbek]

@@mht2315 It sounds like a criticism when you say it, but the foundation of that type of combat is pretty common. And Arkham didn't start it - it's very like AC1. And AC1? That whole "style", the first place I saw it was in The Matrix: Path of Neo. The 3d space, flow-and-counter based multi-enemy combat that largely has the same overall vibe - a mix of rhythm and reaction with specific visual telegraphs, it all comes from Path of Neo, or whatever game Path of Neo's combat was inspired by, because it may not be the first. TL;DR I get the feeling you meant that as a negative and my reaction is "sorry but it isn't." :)

[@Touriquette]

Sometimes I like the beer, other times something smoother. I do like my shouty youtubers, just so that I can feel heard through them, but for a game like Mirage who's developers feel like they're actually trying. You've done a commendable job, not enough to make me 180 to take a high horse and pretend that the past me that liked shouty video essay people was wrong. Just a new growing appreciation, in discovering a new youtuber to scratch that media review itch. A fine wine, paired with a promising dish. Looking forward to what else you get up to funny AC video essay review man.

[@Jayschannelyo]

You are always spot on with your reviews great job

[@sosaysjay]

That means a lot, thank you

[@TheAltair716]

I didn't expect this game to feel the same as old games. I frankly love it. Maybe it's because I was longing for so much time for a stealth focused AC or because of the amazing setting (I'm an Arabist). I haven't watched the story part as I still didn't finish the game but overall I agree with your criticism. HOWEVER I think the game has a lot going for it and in my opinion it's worth playing. If Ubisoft takes crticism of this game seriously and make another stealth game but better it would be perfect.

[@nikabosmit3884]

Finally! Was waiting for this.

[@sushigimme]

Just watched your Mirage video as well as your Ghost of Tsushima one and I've gotta say, I love your format of reviewing and analysing videogames. Similar to Gingy and Boulder Punch's format, your videos are simple to follow along, but are very well researched and well put-together with no reliance on injecting memes and other cringey trends you see in videos nowadays. Would love to see you review other games as well in the future, so that's why you got yourself a new subscriber! Keep it up! ^^

[@RealHumanBeing276]

I've just finished the game and I've enjoyed my experience far more than I did with Origins or Valhalla, I enjoyed how challenging the combat feels and how it encourages stealth, I liked how the resources you have is very limited compared to older games, which makes you think before using them, in Mirage the maximim amount of throwing knives you can carry is 6 compared to the 25 of the Ezio Trilogy, the stealth is the best it's ever been in a long time, although the parkour isn't as good as I wish is was, traversing through Bagda really brings back that joy I felt when I was traversing through Florence or Rome, but the biggest miss of this game is deinitely the story, none of the villains are memorable, the final kill, the leader of the order is as bland of a character as the first target you kill, despite Valhalla being a boring experience to me, I still remember Fulke and how twisted and cruel she was, I still remember the conflict of views between Sigurd and his father, and how that took them apart, and I still remember the conflict of religions between Eivor and the Viking's Valhalla and the peaceful life pushed by the Christians, but from Mirage the only character I'll remember is Roshan because she's the only reoccurring character of the story and the most interesting one, but with that said, I've invested over 200 hours in Valhalla and I have no intentions of every revisiting that game, but I can see myself replaying Mirage over and over again, I've just beaten the game, and I'll probably start a new save tomorrow, Mirage isn't perfect, but it is a major step in the right direction coming out of the RPG games.

[@noctoi]

OMG yes to all of this. I personally love the branching stories, romances, companion missions, travel etc. of Odyssey and Valhalla, but I also loved and spent untold hours on the first game. I have no issues with a game that goes back to its roots... but they HAVE to do it right. The graphics are not good enough for a game of that price that doesn't have all the other features of a premium game, and neither are the gameplay, combat, scenery, map design etc. I happily paid that much for Odyssey years ago because it was a huge game with a huge amount of replayability. This game is just not good enough for that price tag. It's not *terrible* but it's just not a $80-120AUD game. It looks and plays like a 2007 game dragged kicking and screaming into the 2020's by a talented fan modder. I guess that's it, it's another half assed game from an AAA studio that's merely masquerading as a AAA title. It feels like a fanfic. So disappointing.

[@akitsuki_yuu]

Been waiting for your mgs4 breakdown since...ever

[@davewxc]

The most important thing I hear here is: "enjoyed 25 hours" So enjoyable and not the endless eternity Valhalla was. So I'll get it. Probably next sale as I already have enough back catalogue in my library to fill my gaming hours.

[@CaptainYumYumGamez]

I’m not that far into the game, I’ve only just accessed the first bureau, and to me the game give almost the exact same vibe as the original game, but through the lense of Valhalla if that makes any sense

[@wyattguilliams5325]

It has the button layout for Valhalla But the story of Assassin's Creed

[@qum3325]

The Combat sucks but the stealth is good

[@boglurker2043]

I think Mirage is a good balance of new and old. It just really suffers from the low budget. I hope they give the team another game and a bigger budget, you can tell they really tried with this one.

[@yondie491]

wonderful video, I'm now a subscriber looking fwd to watching your previous work

[@BaltazarRules8]

This game is a fantastic success when you find out that it was made by Ubisoft Bordeaux, a smaller team who’s only experience was the Wrath of the Druids DLC for Valhalla. They genuinely care about the fundamentals of classic assassin’s creed. It sucks because all they had to work with was assets similar to the rpg games. They made the best of it and I hope they get the chance to make more ac games

[@heart4179]

While the parkour is not as mechanically solid as the Ezio games, the time spent on rooftops and moments of real flow you experience I think contribute enough to that fantasy that made me go "this is an AC game" - and not an imitation.

[@PhantomHalf]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU

[@MagyarGaben]

The fact that we get to play as an assassin in Assassin's Creed is mindboggling

[@Ic3h0rnEt14]

It's not perfect but I think it's the best post-Unity Assassin's Creed game. I really appreciate the intent to make a more traditional AC game. Just imagine how good this would be if the devs weren't painted into a corner by AC Valhalla. I think Bordeaux could make something spectacular if they had the opportunity to start fresh. Instead, they did a pretty good job of building something on top of a shitty foundation.

[@mickidoesmedia]

Honestly, AC's identity crisis can be blamed solely at the foot of Ubisoft rotating studios. Can't have consistency like that.

[@enman009]

Back and side ejects are in this game and can give more depth to the otherwise "to be improved further" parkour system. I think that, as long as the stealth system and mission design keep a good level of quality, we can have a fun game to replay. And honestly, I'd rather have this combat system being improved than go back to the dull and unengaging Brotherhood-Rogue combat system. EDIT: wanted to say this was a fantastic video. Great quality and nuanced arguments as always. I'm curious to see more of your thoughts in non AC titles.

[@LeonJohnson-yi3hg]

THE COMBAT IN THOSE IS AMAZING BROOOO

[@amilex5805]

Bro i see u in every game video, souls, DMC, and now this

[@seiaka]

Mirage's combat is ugly compared to Brotherhood and has like 1% of the options when it comes weapons

[@LeonJohnson-yi3hg]

@@seiaka ur ugly combat

[@enman009]

@@LeonJohnson-yi3hg I prefer AC2 for the beautiful animations and lack of "I win" kill streaks introduced in Brotherhood. As for combat overall, Origins and Odyssey are my favorites, but they also could've done with more polish.

[@markonovakovic6762]

You nailed it man. As someone who's been with the franchise since the original and who holds this franchise very dear, i completely agree with pretty much everything you said in this review. Furthemore, i think this is the best and most honest review of this game i've seen online. I honestly hope some big wig at Ubisoft sees this video and takes it to heart. If they could somehow give us an AC game with the storytelling of the Ezio saga, the style and complexity of parkour from Unity, and the combat of Ghost of Tsushima, i think we could have the best AC ever made and one of the best video games ever made. Also, sheaths. I still don't understand why they game up on them after the first game. Swords need sheaths damn it. I'm so sick of swords dangling on my hip with the blade exposed being held by nothing but a leather strap. Also, less flashy weapons and clothing would be great. Anyway, fantastic review.

[@sosaysjay]

Thank you, I am glad you connected with the video

[@ouroboros6738]

I'd say this game is a fan-service to quench the thirst of "real AC" for all older series fans. On their next installment they will be back to their roots, THE RPG that had profit for over 2 Billions Such a money hungry company.

[@basedchimera5859]

Watching your video's have me rediscover my love for the AC series. You understand how flawed the series is but also what the series can be when it sets it mind towards its goals. I look forward to all your videos

[@sosaysjay]

I’m really glad to hear that. With how many of my videos are critical, I sometimes worry they only serve to make people angry without my points about the stuff I enjoy and hope for being noticed. I’m glad to hear they have been helpful to you

[@glibchubik4090]

Good, detailed review! Now the question is, do we support this game with out wallets despite it's shortcomings to send a message of what style of games we like? This won't affect AC Red (Japan based) as it's already finishing up, but it MIGHT affect AC Hexe. Or do we judge it fairly and don't spend our time and money on a mostly nothing game with occasional stand out moments? That is a difficult choice

[@HuskySansVergogne]

This is the dilemma I've had for weeks, I want to support this direction but it's still not as good as I would like

[@dasarchiv3508]

If we don't support this there won't even be a possibility of improvement. It has to sell well or they'll keep the RPG formula since they sold very well with Valhalla

[@lacuna3693]

Buying the game will have a negligible effect on ubisoft's decision. It is not right to be spending your hard earned money just for the possibility of getting the game you hope for when ubisoft is not reliable for delivering or exceeding expectations.

[@m.r4841]

It still doesn't come close to the succes of the RPG trilogy. Valhalla for example is the only Ubisoft game that made 1 Billion in revenue.

[@rosalesfr.6493]

“like driving a warthog through a Mario kart level”….. exactly.

[@alejandrocastillolopez6268]

I really love your videos :) keep it up

[@sosaysjay]

I really appreciate that, thank you

[@TheHiddenOne690]

Let's go, I was waiting for your video!

[@sosaysjay]

Thanks Hidden One!

[@ssref3199]

I for one, really liked the valhalla system of story arcs and gaining allys. 200 hours passed quickly and were very fun.

[@nikidelvalle]

I really wish more open world games had a storytelling structure like Valhalla. Any storyline can get stale if you spend as much time on it as most open world games tend to on their plot, it can be easy to lose track of what's going on and stop caring. Valhalla keeps things consistently fresh with new stories and characters while advancing its central plot bit by bit, just enough to keep you thinking about it. It's such a massive breath of fresh air after the dreadful Odyssey, and after the many open world games we've gotten in recent years where I lost track of the plot bit by bit.

[@TheOnlyTaps]

Great watch as always 👊🏿

[@sosaysjay]

Thank you, I appreciate it

[@johnnydavis4449]

Dude, Unity was the shit. Parkour was spectacular. I want that back

[@lenakohlman754]

the shock i felt when the first 3:00 of footage had ACTUAL stealth kills. I haven't seen those kinds of animations since Syndicate!

[@wonder2002]

We all gotta remember that Mirage is a game doing its best with what it has to work with, Bordeaux did an amazing job with the tools and foundation they were given. Is it 100% there? No, but its miles ahead of anything post Origins imo. Its the best that we've seen in almost 5 years.

[@mickidoesmedia]

I still think, mechanically, the most fun I had in AC was Syndicate. It was more complex than I was used to, but the levels of polish it had around a IMO good narrative really drew me in.

[@sunsetblvd3448]

You're high key right I bought the game hoping for a blast from the past and it wasn't what I expected or really wanted but because of Valhalla lowering my standards for the franchise I was actually content with it.

[@neonmatt24]

I think people that complain or gripe about "return to roots" don't understand what that statement meant. Returning to roots meant you are playing as an actual assassin again, not a Mejay, not a Spartan warrior or Viking masquerading with a hood. You are truly an assassin once again. Returning to roots also mean that stealth will be the main focus. Not running around fighting every guard you see and overpowering them with some sort of magical spear or hammer! It means sneaking around, hiding in hay stacks, booths, benches etc. It means excepting assassination side contracts that aren't a part of the main story. It means having assassin vision again to see through walls, mark position of your enemies or objectives to steal. Mirage does all of that PERFECTLY! As an oldschool AC fan, it's funny for me to read the criticism that the combat is stiff or not as good as the older games. Nostalgia really has a hold on all of you because the combat in the older games was just super easy barely and inconvenience. You stand there surrounded, and just wait for one person to attack then block them for a one shot kill, and then chain the kills together by immediately hitting the attack button on the next highlighted target. Yeah there was some cool kill animations but there was no depth to it. The parkour in the older games other than AC Unity was laughable. The character just hopped around looking like a fairy with unnatural movements, especially the jump back bounce off an object to another. Ezio could barely climb, and there was so many environmental objects and buildings that were unclimbable. Crouching with your character behind an object was non existent. I recently tried to play Black Flag again and was so irritated that I couldn't manually crouch, it was only auto activated when in tall grass. I challenge people, after you play Mirage, go back and play the older games AC1-Blackflag and tell me this game isn't infinitely better gameplay mechanic wise. The only real knock this game deserves is the story. The story wasn't that great as it could have been. It was better than Valhalla's, Odyssey, Syndicate and Unity but not as good as Ezio originally trilogy, AC3/Blackflag and Origins.

[@alparslanaras1720]

thank you for speaking my mind brother

[@jaloniwilson]

People interpreted "return to roots" as "my favorite AC game but #2", "Unity 2", etc..

[@joffy9373]

"You stand there surrounded, and just waiting for one person to attack then block them for a one shot kill, and then chain the kills......" Thats because you suck 🙂 and you dont know how to mix up the combat to make it interesting in the long run, even for ac2 combat.

[@rusteez]

Challenge accepted I suppose; the only mechanical system this game does better than any other AC game are the throwing knives. Parkour is interesting because it’s (at its core) effectively unchanged from the rpg trilogy, but lacks the pseudo wall eject Bayek and Kassandra have, both of which possessed far more fluid movement than Eivor, who is extra clunky among these four entries. What makes Mirage stand out is greater environmental support for the movement; more of the world is designed for parkour over mounted (or naval) traversal. But compared to literally any other era of AC games it’s quite lacking. Altaïr still has the best movement system in the franchise, as while it isn’t as flashy as Arno’s it has more depth and greater reliability. For all of their streamlining approach to movement, the colonial era games still have a very fun, easy to pick up version of movement that’s fast and reliably sells the illusion of momentum and speed, two things Mirage noticeably fails at. Which makes sense as Valhalla had the same problem, but also weird because Origins and Odyssey were honestly fine in this regard. Mirage’s combat honestly just sucks and has zero depth, literally every other AC game has a better combat system, even Syndicate. While it’s not as brain-dead easy as the AC games from Brotherhood to Rogue (all of which have the easily exploitable chain kill mechanic) those games still had a greater variety of options, moves, and tools at your disposal to keep combat engaging and worth your time. AC1 has less physical tools than Mirage but let’s you use some of those tools in more diverse ways; the grab ability is incredibly adaptable and arguably has as much going for it alone as the entirety of Mirage’s combat does. As for stealth, well, stealth has always sucked ass in this franchise. The social stealth was always a joke compared to Hitman and the traditional stealth could never compete with real stealth games. Mirage’s social stealth is at best on par with what Ezio’s games offered and its traditional stealth is a step below Origins, Odyssey, and the colonial games. Mirage’s strength, to me, is that it’s a smaller scale and focused version of the rpg era games in an offering more palatable to those who stick their nose up at this era of the franchise. But for everyone else, I’d recommend any of the other games first

[@enzoamore8971]

I already feel like Mirage treated the premise in combat much better than the old games besides AC1 and Unity. They actually advise not rush in combat and stay in stealth. The old games had broken combat, but it was never about that in the lore. Especially the first.

[@DustinEdenYT]

One aspect that wasn't touched upon in the video that deserves a mention is the equipment. First, the good. The tools (aka your throwables) actually require interesting decision making when enhancing them. Do you want to use this particular tool more during combat or during stealth? For example, I crafted my throwing knifes to benefit stealth more with a longer range and making the bodies disappear. I could have however added poison or armor piercing to make them more viable for combat. You can't get all perks which leads to some critical thinking of how to get the most use out of your tools. What's bad on the other hand is the rest of your equipment. There is only exactly one type of main weapon, and the few different ones you can get barely feel any different from each other. The difference in stats is negligible, and the special perks each of them provide are often so specific or worthless I just went with the coolest looking one. You can upgrade them up to three times which improves the stat so slightly it hardly makes a difference in combat. This gets even worse with the outfits, which don't actually provide any defensive value at all, just more perks which hardly do anything of value. As a result, the main currency and materials in the game become worthless too, which sucks because that's pretty much all the reward you get for completing anything. Obtaining or even upgrading new equipment feels like a chore as well because you can't just buy and improve equipment at a shop, but you have to find schematics in golden chests. Which gets annoying very quickly if you want to use a particular set of equipment, but just find schematics for other weapons and outfits you don't want to use. The entire equipment system in this game felt like a massive waste of time and effort. I'm pretty sure you could finish the entire game on the hardest difficulty with just your starting equipment. In general they completely missed the mark on what I actually really enjoyed in the older games. The escalation of power, becoming stronger and getting better equipment, building an army within the brotherhood, buying and refurbishing stores in the city until it's all yours while having all of that visualized in some way - none of that fantasy can be found in Mirage. All you get is some tiny talisman dangling at the back of Basim's shoulder indicating how many main assassinations you have completed. Woo hoo. Totally missed the mark in this area.

[@NelStone1]

As soon as I found the sword that poisons after five hits and the dagger that makes a poisoned enemy explode into a poison cloud when killed, I knew it was over. I used that combo for the rest of the game. And you're right, I loved how customizable the tools ended up becoming.

[@WHEELIFE29]

I never expeted to see you on a assasin Creed videos

[@d4dr4g0n]

The staleness of having only one main weapon could be reduced if they allowed Basim to pick up dropped enemy weapons like in the previous games.

[@7heMidni9htOwl781]

The way i think of Mirage is ubisoft saying 'we recognise we screwed up with the rpg games and this is our first take at repairing your faith in us.' So in that light i think of mirage as an apology note, like Ubisoft saying they are going to progress in this direction now. Hopefully they improve on games after this, while progressing on a similiar path as mirages spirit, but without so many Valhalla assets(Im understanding in Mirages case since it was suppose to be a dlc of Valhalla.) I hope this game has showed Ubisoft what the people actually want.

[@m.r4841]

Actually that's not what this is at all. This game is just an exception. It's a little double A spin off that's not full price. They already confirmed that the next couple of games will be full RPGs again. Fortunately

[@7heMidni9htOwl781]

​@@m.r4841 Maybe, but do you believe they will look at this current game and see that the customers actually like it as opposed to the RPG games, and maybe, just maybe do you think they will rub their two braincells together and actually.......make more of these types? Also the last RPG games have not been representative of actual assassins creed games, with no actual assassins creed in them( AC origins does I am aware), so 'Fortunately' isnt the word I'd use my friend.

[@m.r4841]

@@7heMidni9htOwl781 This game is polarizing as ever. Take a look at the reviews. Some like it. Some really hate it. AC fans are never happy. And reviews aren't that important. Being financially successful is much more important. And the RPG trilogy is was far more successful than the old gameplay. Valhalla is even Ubisofts most successful game and the only game that made 1 Billion in revenue. And the next couple of games are already planned out and being worked on. So no, this game doesn't change anything. And the fast majority of gamers like the new RPG direction. Only a small minority of old school fans aren't happy with it but they're never happy no matter what Ubisoft does.

[@steve-lu4zq]

​@@m.r4841Bit of a generalisation to say we're never happy :P I personally loved every single AC game up until Origins. Maybe I'm just in the minority of a minority lol

[@HuskySansVergogne]

Damn, that "Warthog on a mario kart level" is on point, that's exactly it

[@syrhusprod]

If the game was 20 bucks we’d all be singing it’s praises

[@armanimartinez8105]

Me and my friend were hyped for this game The old AC games are good but so outdated But man ODESSY CHANGED everything for me and my friend I out almost 200hrs into that game non stop Kassandra is amazing….. the soundtrack is amazing….. it’s soooo fun and captures the awww and mysticism of the old games IMO

[@zicuvalentin2251]

Played ODYSSEY 3000 hours...

[@yozza4978]

Yes odyseey was my favourite...i didn't like vallhala very much at all, the weapon system sucked in vallhala and no ships was a shame.

[@bensocha4735]

You gave a fantastic and accurate review. I absolutely agree and I feel the same. I'm some 35 hours in, and I have to say I have some fun, but also I'm disappointed in many occasions. Will I remember this game after completion? No.

[@blakehansen5434]

This is a great analysis. Good work

[@HYDRARMOR]

I've waited for your review the most! Your videos are amazing, thank you very much

[@sosaysjay]

That is very kind, thank you

[@rusinoe8364]

I liked the Odyssey direction and haven't gotten anything like it since, with Valhalla being a crappy version of Odyssey at best. Can I loudly complain about wanting to go back to the RPG elements and get Ubisoft to make a game for me? Or is that only for whiny old fans?

[@zicuvalentin2251]

Played ODYSSEY 3000 hours...

[@NeonSuperNovas]

I personally didn’t feel anything nostalgic about this game. It honestly felt like a Valhalla DLC.

[@alfonsocalderon8851]

Played like 30 mins of this and took it back.

[@kmharnish]

Watching this review is weird, while I totally see all of your points and can see how Mirage has many shortcomings, I didn't really notice them until you pointed them out. I think part of it is because I started playing AC with Odyssey and really enjoyed it and went back and played Origins and now Valhalla, so I guess I never really played the non--RPG-titles. I think this makes Mirage more of a new experience for me as while a lot of the aspects that carried over from Valhalla are similar, a lot of the gameplay changes are new to me which makes for a really fun blend of new gameplay with familiarity that can back me up. Right now the only gripes I have with the game is the lack of a great story (even though I still like it a bit) and the stupid bookshelf puzzles that no one should have thought was a good idea. Right now Mirage probably sits second on the AC games I've played behind Odyssey. I did really enjoy seeing your look on the game coming from an older fan, you make a very well-put-together idea. Great content, Subscribed.

[@nikidelvalle]

Maybe it's just because I haven't watched your video on Valhalla yet but it is crazy to me how many negative comparisons Valhalla keeps drawing when as far as I'm concerned it is the peak of the open-world RPG trilogy by a country mile. Not that that's saying much, but it's crazy to me how little criticism Odyssey draws despite how much of an absolute grind it was to play. Like did you legit just say Valhalla has worse stealth than Odyssey, the game with the stupid spongy enemies you often couldn't one-shot because of the ridiculous reliance Odyssey had on vertical power progression? The game with no social stealth elements whatsoever? That game exists and Valhalla is the worst? Really?

[@zicuvalentin2251]

Played ODYSSEY 3000 hours...

[@nikidelvalle]

@@zicuvalentin2251 I don't know how you survived that, I could barely take finishing it once. The entire experience was utterly mindnumbing with how many bland, repetitive activities that game is stuffed with.

[@zicuvalentin2251]

@@nikidelvalle you don't understand the game...the story is only 70 hours in ODYSSEY...finish 6 times...ORIGINS is almost 100 hours(it's good) and VALHALLA around 150 hours(they exaggerated)

[@SylvinJ]

Everyone hating on this game, I absolutely love this game! This is exactly what assassin creed is meant to be! not odyssey, not origins, not Valhalla

[@gregoryjamaalfulton]

After the last 3 rpg games this was honestly just a breath of fresh air. Dont get me wrong Origins is still my number 1 favorite with Mirage( now) being second followed by AC3 then AC4 and lastly brotherhood. Being able to just be stealthy and do the objectives with the least amount of carnage possible really brought me back to my roots and made me feel more of an assassin (think dishonored) Im greatful this game was a commercial success because while yes its 2 steps back it could (hopefully) lead to a 4 step leap forward. Ubisoft is on the right track here and i hope they take these lessons and apply it to AC Red (i think the next major title right?) As a side note as of this video im now subscribed. Ive watched 2 other of your videos and, so far, your criticisms and reviews have been mature and open for conversation. Its a level headed way that isnt just (excuse my french) dick riding Ezio. I look forward to more of your content in the future.

[@MaxiiMoonii]

yeahhhh i got really hype for this game overall, but as soon as i saw that first gameplay trailer, i knew exactly how it was gonna turn out.

[@sm4carnageihope]

I disagree with Mirage being the most nothing story. Syndicate holds that distinction for me due to the lack of character development or consequences. Jacob and Evie decide to free London from the Templars, they succeed with no major losses and are the same people they were at the beginning of the game. Basim does face the consequences of his actions, especially at the beginning and is quite literally a different person by the end of the game.

[@sosaysjay]

I would definitely disagree. Like them or not, every target has a clear personality and story behind them. Compared to this game where the targets get maybe one main scene, the characters in that game get a lot more time to shine.

[@sm4carnageihope]

@@sosaysjay The targets, sure. But at the end of the day, Jacob and Evie don't change from their experiences. OK, they have a little spout out of nowhere, but that's the most significant thing that happens and it was ultimately pointless as they patch up their differences just one assassination later. Every AC game is about something unique. AC is about honor ACII is about revenge Brotherhood is about justice Revelations is about knowledge ACIII is about freedom Black Flag is about glory Rogue is about order Unity is about compromise Origins is about purpose Odyssey is about choice Valhalla is about fate And Mirage is about identity Syndicate isn't about anything. It's the most cookie cutter, play it safe good guys vs bad guys story and the twins never suffer any consequences. Every other protagonist faces this whether it be a betrayal from a friend, the death of a loved one or something else that changes who they are. Jacob and Evie go to London, kill the Templars, everyone survives, nobody betrays them, nothing happens that makes them change their approach to certain things. It doesn't help that the switching between the 2 left very little room for them to develop either.

[@Zaku_Phantom]

Thank god someone has said this. Hate all the fake sponsored reviews of this game from other KZbinrs.

[@stephenthedude4383]

From what I've seen most gaming sites say it's mid the only people I see liking it are AC channels

[@guilhermelisboa1857]

What do you mean? there is alot of reviews praising and trashing the game on KZbin, just say that you're happy that you found another review that doesnt praise the game, and judging by the time you posted this comment you didnt even watched the video.

[@SoySilent]

Fake review is when you dont agree with what its said? LoL

[@guilhermelisboa1857]

​@@SoySilentYes exactly

[@SUP3R2069]

The game is really good, maybe it’s because I just got really into AC recently by playing Unity but Unity and AC3 and black Flag are my favourites so far but I hate the rpg games, but AC mirage feels like the old games but with a hint of the rpg, maybe it’s because I love Ghost of Tsushima and that game is like a mix of new and old AC, but mirage is so good

[@tyranniccubone8259]

I pretty much agree with your take on this as well, it's good for something that uses Valhalla, but ultimately there is only so much that can be done with this game engine. I just hope Ubisoft is willing to make more AC games like this but with their own engine, and without it being a disaster like Unity.

[@Largentina.]

This is their own engine.

[@tyranniccubone8259]

@@Largentina. As I said, it is the Valhalla game engine.

[@XSRVX_01]

One of the smartest things for stealth games and I dont know why AC hasnt used it yet is like arkhams ar predator sections. Where the stealth encouter is infinitely replayable

[@thientuongnguyen2564]

That's the thing, it only worked well for either Arkham series or Insomniac's Spider-Man as both have the abilities to stalk and hide vertically, which again Ubisoft might not be even bother to do. Plus historically, aside from the landmarks you see, there's really not much high structures for an assassin to hide on top of. But I do have to agree that stealth sessions are usually too linear in that you don't have much choices in engaging enemies (yes I'm talking about the tailing missions).

[@m.r4841]

The RPGs are still much superior.

[@zicuvalentin2251]

Played ODYSSEY 3000 hours...

[@s0daapoppin]

Hard disagree

[@azizalfa752]

Biggest joke😂

[@azizalfa752]

🗑️🤡

[@DoctorPlay]

This game is trash.

[@iurysaraiva3411]

It's fun to just travel around the Dying Light map because of the Parkour system. You're always using the jump, direction and buttons that add elements to the run.

[@TheGreeny490]

Very Fair Review. Toward open combat, Similar to stealth you have include your tools to get things done faster. Recoverable Tknives great to instantly kill most guards. "Fire Cracker" distraction burns all heavy guards, turns them into easy prey. Or like any veteran just smoke bomb everything to get free assassination at any time.

[@randomdude8877]

Yeah no, i'll pass on that one. Interestingly i never really enjoyed the old AC titles, it only clicked for me with Origins and Odyssey. Super controversial right? xD But yeah, i love those 2 games. The rest is just meh to me. I have to say that i'm a somelier of gaming. "Takes a whiff at mirage" Cookie cutter with some nostalgia sprinkled in to it. Certainly a fine taste for fans of the franchise but nothing to impressive.

[@azzor4134]

You like big open world games with rpg mechanics, am I correct?

[@zicuvalentin2251]

Played ODYSSEY 3000 hours...

[@alabanghills]

I. Love. Ur content. High lvl thinking.

[@jean-lucclark7598]

Happy Thursday Jay! Hope you’re well. I was wondering if there were any video ideas going over red, hexe, and infinity in the future when you have time? Always looking forward to a video drop from you; thanks always!

[@sosaysjay]

Hi, thank you for reaching out. Right now I don’t have plans, simply because I’m not great at speculation. I really have no idea what to expect from any of these titles, but once we have news there’s a good chance I’ll want to make content on them!

[@Descreeet]

the best review on this game

[@sparrow248]

Gotta love when a game is being criticised for things that it didn't promise, and things that can't be helped, like yeah it is built on the valhalla engine, and yeah it won't feel like classic ac but realistically it never could have, we knew this from the start, yet that's the point of this video, like you've made some crazy discovery. Why don't we at least appreciate the game for doing the best with what its got. Also the combat analysis is wierd since most stealth games have bad combat so that it feels like a fail state (Thief, Deus ex, older splinter cell etc).